Prata di Principato Ultra is a village of about three thousand people north of Avellino, built on a spur above the Sabato river. Around it are vineyards, olive groves and hazelnut orchards; the village is one of the eight municipalities of the Greco di Tufo DOCG. Il Balconcino in Piazza is at Via Roma 4, in the centre: from here everything that follows is reached on foot or in a few minutes by car.
The early Christian Basilica dell’Annunziata
It is the village’s monument and one of the oldest places of Christian Irpinia, in via Annunziata, just outside the centre, about a kilometre from the house. Beneath the church opens a catacomb of the third and fourth centuries with arcosolia, sarcophagi and frescoes, among them an Annunciation; the apse, carved into the tuff in the seventh century, keeps the bishop’s chair and an eighth-century praying Virgin; the façade reuses ancient columns. Closed after the collapse in the hypogeum in January 2022, the basilica was reopened on 25 March 2026, the feast of the Annunciation, and on 3 October 2026 it hosted the Premio Prata.
It is visited on request: the Touring Club lists the number +39 0825 961019 for bookings. There are no fixed opening hours at present, so it is best to phone a few days ahead; we are glad to help you arrange the visit.
The Oratory of the Immaculate and the palaces
On via Roma, a few steps from the house, the Oratory of the Immaculate, also called “of the Dead”, shows a neoclassical façade with the Litanies carved in the frieze, a rusticated bell tower and an apse overlooking the Sabato cliff. It is in critical condition, with a collapsed roof, and is supported by the FAI “Luoghi del Cuore” campaign: you look at it from outside, you do not go in.
The Palazzo Baronale Zamagna, on via Serafino Grillo, dates from the seventeenth century and stands on a medieval castle; the Zamagna family came from Ragusa, today’s Dubrovnik. On piazza Grillo stands Palazzo Ciambelli; the parish church is dedicated to Christ the Redeemer. In past years the baronial palace hosted a historical re-enactment between June and July: whether it is on the calendar is something to ask the town hall.
The feasts of the year
On 24 and 25 March the village celebrates the Madonna dell’Annunziata, with the basilica at the centre. On Low Sunday, the first after Easter, there is the “Flight of the Angel”, a sacred performance with a candlelit procession. July brings “Vini e Sapori” and, on the 25th, the feast of the patron Saint James; August the Wine Festival. Programmes change every year and are published by the town hall (tel. +39 0825 952053).
What is produced here
Greco di Tufo, first of all: Prata lies inside the appellation and the wineries of Tufo, Santa Paolina and Montefusco are five to eight kilometres away. Then hazelnuts, with the Camponica and Mortarella varieties grown on the Avellino hills, among the olive groves that surround the village. For cheese, the nougat of Dentecane (12 km) and the chestnuts of Montella you need to travel a few kilometres.
Walks and the immediate surroundings
Country roads leave the village among vines, olive groves and hazelnut orchards, with views over the Sabato valley; nearby, the ancient beech of Campo San Giovanni is signposted. A cycle path runs along the river, though we do not know its current condition. Pratola Serra is two kilometres away, Tufo five, Altavilla Irpina six; Avellino twelve. For longer trips see the other guides.
Living the village
Prata is not a museum village: it is a lived-in place, with the café in the square, the bakery, the pharmacy and local shops a few steps from the house. In the evening the tables stay outside, the bells mark the hour and from the balcony you watch the square as from a small stage. That is why the house has the name it has.
Quick questions
Is the basilica always open?
No: it is visited on request, by calling +39 0825 961019. Ask us for help with the booking.
How far is the basilica from the house?
About a kilometre, on via Annunziata, just outside the centre.
Are there shops in the village?
Yes: café, bakery, pharmacy and local shops around the square. For a larger supermarket you drive to the neighbouring villages or to Avellino.
When is the village feast?
The patron Saint James is celebrated on 25 July; the Annunciation on 24–25 March; the Flight of the Angel on Low Sunday.
Opening hours, fares and access can change: check the official websites before setting off. .